LCC Women's Basketball Set to Begin New Era Under Chris Godfrey

Newly appointed head coach Chris Godfrey has arrived at Lamar Community College with one goal in mind. He believes it's time for the Runnin' Lopes women's basketball program to finally turn the corner.

"I think we're right on the doorstep of being very competitive," said Coach Godfrey when asked about the upcoming season.

"For me, turning the corner means starting the trend of winning more games than you lose each season. I think that's a challenging, yet realistic, goal for our program. Once we're at that point, we'll find ourselves competing for championships."

Despite Coach Godfrey understanding the challenge, there is still an optimistic vibe in the women's basketball office these days. Godfrey coaches with a small piece of net tied around his whistle. It's the piece of net that he cut as a keepsake after winning the MEAC Tournament last season as an assistant coach at Norfolk State University. He has also cut down a net as a junior college assistant coach, winning the Region 8 Tournament while working at Northwest Florida State College. Even though this is Godfrey's first season as a head coach, it's obvious that he's banking on his championship experience to help the Runnin' Lopes reach a higher level.

The more important reason for optimism is Godfrey's roster, a talented mix of star returners and impactful transfers

It's natural to expect a team to take a step forward when they return their top three scorers from the previous season. This is the case for the Lopes as First Team All-Region selection Amaya Williams, Second Team All-Region selection Ana Zesati, and leading three-point shooter Maleah Charlie are all back on campus for a second season with the program.

"Being able to take over a program with three proven talents like Amaya, ZZ, and Maleah already on the roster has been amazing. They all have a hunger to get better, and they really love being here."

"I didn't even have to convince them to stay, said Godfrey when asked about his returning core. All three of them could have left for bigger schools in bigger places, but they never even considered it."

Joining the returners is a talented class of transfers who are all expected to play significant minutes for Coach Godfrey.

Point guard Dionna Woodson has transferred in from D3 Alverno College after a freshman season where she reached double-digits in ten games.

Newcomer Chiney Idika also has some experience cutting down nets. She's transferred from State Fair Community College, winners of last year's Region 16 Tournament.

Speedster Alexis Halley transferred from NAIA University of Tennessee-Southern, where she gained valuable experience by playing over 300 minutes and scoring eight or more points four times as a freshman.

Combo guard Marieme Diouf arrives after spending a season at junior college powerhouse Chipola College. Diouf saw the floor in 22 games for the Indians and reached double-digit minutes in ten games. Her career high in minutes (27) led to a career in points (11) in a game against Georgia Highlands.

Finally, Shay Oyewole transferred from Pensacola State College. She will look to repeat more games like her performance against Hillsborough Community College last season. In that contest, Oyewole poured in 18 points on six three-pointers.

Coach Godfrey was not shy about his expectations for this group of experienced newcomers:

"The thing I really like about our transfers is that these ladies are bringing legit game experience. Every single one of our transfers dropped double-digits at least once at their previous school. So, I think it's fair to expect big things from them. They've all shown flashes. For them, this season is about turning the flashes into consistency."

It won't be long before anticipation and excitement for the season will be replaced with actual game results. The team will play in three showcase events during the month of October before opening their season on Halloween in a neutral site game versus Neosho County Community College.

The Runnin' Lopes will play their home opener on November 4th in the Wellness Center versus Colby Community College.